Plug valve and methods

ABSTRACT

A plug valve including a valve body defining a cavity and a pair of fluid passages intersecting the cavity, the cavity defining a tapered interior surface of the valve body, a plug extending within the cavity, the plug defining an exterior surface and a fluid passage adapted to be substantially aligned with the fluid passages of the valve body, and an insert extending within the cavity and circumferentially about at least a portion of the plug, the insert defining a pair of fluid passages substantially aligned with the fluid passages of the valve body, respectively. In several exemplary embodiments, the plug valve is used in oil or gas operations, such as, for example, the fracturing or gravel packing of a subterranean wellbore, with the plug valve being used to control the flow of fracturing and/or gravel-packing fluids. Exemplary embodiments of methods associated with the plug valve are also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/350,304, filed Nov. 14, 2016, which claims priority to, and thebenefit of the filing date of, U.S. patent application No. 62/256,483,filed Nov. 17, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to valves and, in particular,to plug valves used in oil or gas operations.

BACKGROUND

In oil or gas operations, such as, for example, the fracturing or gravelpacking of a subterranean wellbore, one or more plug valves may be usedto control the flow of fracturing and/or gravel-packing fluids. A plugvalve generally includes a valve body defining a pair of fluid passagesthat intersect an internal cavity formed in the valve body. The internalcavity of the valve body accommodates an insert and a plug. The plugextends within and engages the insert, which insert, in turn, extendswithin and engages the valve body. The plug and the insert include fluidpassages that are adapted to be substantially aligned with therespective fluid passages of the valve body. Moreover, the plug isadapted to rotate relative to the insert and the valve body toselectively prevent or allow the flow of a fracturing or gravel-packingfluid through the respective fluid passages of the valve body, theinsert, and the plug.

The extreme pressures, temperatures, and flow rates encountered by theplug valve during oil or gas operations often cause thermal expansion ofthe plug valve. Moreover, axial forces such as, for example, hydrauliclift, are imparted to the insert and/or the plug during operation of theplug valve. In some cases, due to the thermal expansion of the plugvalve, the plug valve is unable to maintain the substantial alignmentbetween the respective fluid passages of the plug, the insert, and thevalve body. As a result, the axial forces imparted to the plug and/orthe insert during operation of the plug valve urge the fluid passages ofthe plug, the insert, and the valve body out of substantial alignmentwith one another. The resulting misalignment causes wear, erosion, orcomplete wash-out of the plug, the insert, and/or the valve body.

Therefore, what is needed is an apparatus or method to address one ormore of the foregoing issues, and/or one or more other issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a plug valve, including a valve body, abonnet, a tapered insert, a plug, and a biasing member, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the plug valve of FIG. 1A in adisassembled state, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the valve body of FIGS. 1A and 1B,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the valve body taken along line 2B-2B ofFIG. 2A, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2C is another sectional view of the valve body taken along line2C-2C of FIG. 2A, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the bonnet taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 1B, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tapered insert of FIGS. 1A and 1B ina disassembled state, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the plug of FIGS. 1A and 1B, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the biasing member of FIGS. 1A and 1B,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the plug valve taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 1A, illustrating the valve body of FIGS. 2A-2C, the bonnet of FIG.3, the tapered insert of FIG. 4, the plug of FIG. 5, and the biasingmember of FIG. 6, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 7 and illustratesthe plug valve in an open configuration, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 8B is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 8A, but illustratesthe plug valve in a closed configuration, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an exemplary embodiment of aplug valve, generally referred to by the reference numeral 10, isillustrated in assembled and disassembled states, respectively. The plugvalve 10 includes a valve body 12, a bonnet 14, a tapered insert 16, aplug 18, and a biasing member 20. The plug 18 is adapted to extendwithin and engage the tapered insert 16, which insert, in turn, isadapted to extend within and engage the valve body 12. The bonnet 14 isadapted to be connected to the valve body 12 via, for example, aplurality of fasteners 22, to secure the tapered insert 16, the plug 18,and the biasing member 20 within the valve body 12. When the bonnet 14is connected to the valve body 12, the biasing member 20 is adapted tobe constrained between the bonnet 14 and the tapered insert 16. As aresult, the biasing member 20 urges the tapered insert 16 intoengagement with the valve body 12, as will be discussed in furtherdetail below.

A metal ring seal 24 is adapted to be crushed between the bonnet 14 andthe valve body 12 when the bonnet 14 is connected to the valve body 12.Moreover, a pair of packing elements 26 a and 26 b are adapted tosealingly engage respective portions of the valve body 12 and the plug18. Consequently, when the plug valve 10 is assembled, the metal ringseal 24 and the packing elements 26 a and 26 b prevent, or at leastreduce, leakage of a fluid from the interior of the valve body 12 toatmosphere. Additionally, roll pins 28 a and 28 b are adapted to engageboth the tapered insert 16 and the interior of the valve body 12 toprevent, or at least obstruct, turning, shifting, and/or rotation of thetapered insert 16 relative to the valve body 12. Finally, greasefittings 30 a and 30 b are adapted to be connected to the valve body 12to permit the pumping of a lubrication fluid into the valve body 12. Thelubrication fluid lubricates and seals the interface between the plug 18and the tapered insert 16. The grease fittings 30 a and 30 b may includeexternal threads to threadably engage a portion of the valve body 12.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, an exemplary embodiment of the valve body 12is illustrated, the valve body 12 defining opposing faces 12 a and 12 b.The face 12 a faces in an axial direction 32. In contrast, the face 12 bfaces in an axial direction 34, which is substantially opposite theaxial direction 32. In several exemplary embodiments, the opposing faces12 a and 12 b are spaced in a parallel relation. A generally cylindricalopening 36 is formed in the face 12 a of the valve body 12. Further, agenerally frusto-conical cavity 38 is formed in the valve body 12,contiguous with the opening 36. The opening 36 and the cavity 38 will bedescribed in further detail below. Additionally, an annular groove 40 isformed in the face 12 a of the valve body 12. The annular groove 40extends concentrically about the opening 36 and is adapted to receivethe metal ring seal 24. A plurality of threaded holes 42 are formed inthe face 12 a of the valve body 12. The threaded holes 42 aredistributed concentrically about the annular groove 40 and are adaptedto receive respective ones of the fasteners 22 to connect the bonnet 14to the valve body 12.

One or more holes 44 a (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) and 44 b (shown inFIG. 2C) are formed in the interior of the valve body 12. The holes 44 aand 44 b are adapted to receive the roll pins 28 a and 28 b,respectively, to prevent, or at least obstruct, turning, shifting,and/or rotation of the tapered insert 16 relative to the valve body 12.The holes 44 a and 44 b may retain the roll pins 28 a and 28 b via afriction fit, a threaded fit, or the like. Additionally, one or morelubrication ports 46 a (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C) and 46 b (shown inFIG. 2B) are formed in the valve body 12 from the exterior thereof andinto the cavity 38. The lubrication ports 46 a and 46 b receive thegrease fittings 30 a and 30 b, respectively, and permit the pumping of alubrication fluid into the valve body 12. The lubrication fluidlubricates the interface between the plug 18 and the tapered insert 16.Moreover, the lubrication fluid establishes a seal between the plug 18and the tapered insert 16, as will be discussed in further detail below.The lubrication ports 46 a and 46 b may include internal threads adaptedto be threadably engaged by the external threads of the grease fittings30 a and 30 b. Additionally, one or more lubrication lines (not shown)may be placed in fluid communication with the lubrication ports 46 a and46 b to provide the lubrication fluid to the interior of the valve body12 during operation of the plug valve 10.

A pair of generally cylindrical protrusions 48 a and 48 b extend fromthe exterior of the valve body 12 on opposing sides thereof. In severalexemplary embodiments, the protrusions 48 a and 48 b are co-axial. Inseveral exemplary embodiments, the protrusions 48 a and 48 b are,include, or are part of, the valve body 12. A pair of fluid-lineconnectors 50 a and 50 b are included at the respective distal ends ofthe protrusions 48 a and 48 b. In several exemplary embodiments, thefluid-line connector 50 a is the female half of a hammer union.Alternatively, the fluid-line connector 50 a may be the male half of ahammer union. In several exemplary embodiments, the fluid-line connector50 b is the male half of a hammer union. Alternatively, the fluid-lineconnector 50 b may be the female half of a hammer union. Furthermore,one or both of the fluid-line connectors 50 a and 50 b may be some othertype of connector that is not the male or female half of a hammer union,such as, for example, a hammerless union, a flange, another fluid-lineconnector, or any combination thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the opening 36 defines an interior surface52 extending about a longitudinal center axis 54. The cavity 38, whichis contiguous with the opening 36, defines a tapered interior surface 56and an annular interior surface 58, each extending about thelongitudinal center axis 54. The tapered interior surface 56 definesopposing end portions 56 a and 56 b. Moreover, the tapered interiorsurface 56 is tapered inwardly towards the longitudinal center axis 54,from the end portion 56 a to the end portion 56 b thereof. The annularinterior surface 58 adjoins the end portion 56 b of the tapered interiorsurface 56 and faces in the axial direction 32.

The lubrication port 46 a extends from the exterior of the valve body12, through the tapered interior surface 56, and into the cavity 38, asshown in FIG. 2C. Similarly, the lubrication port 46 b extends from theexterior of the valve body 12, through the tapered interior surface 56,and into the cavity 38, as shown in FIG. 2B. In several exemplaryembodiments, the lubrication port 46 a extends through the valve body 12and into the cavity 38 at a position above the lubrication port 46 b.Moreover, in several exemplary embodiments, the lubrication ports 46 aand 46 b extend through the valve body 12 and into the cavity 38 onopposing sides of the valve body 12.

The interior surface 52 of the opening 36 is located adjacent the endportion 56 a of the tapered interior surface 56 of the cavity 38. Inseveral exemplary embodiments, the interior surface 52 has a slightlylarger diameter than the end portion 56 a of the tapered interiorsurface 56. Accordingly, a sloping annular lip 60 is formed in the valvebody 12 at the border between the interior surfaces 52 and 56. Inseveral exemplary embodiments, the annular lip 60 eases the installationof the tapered insert 16 into the cavity 38.

A trio of contiguous bores 62, 64, and 66 are formed in the valve body12. The bore 62 is formed in the annular interior surface 58 of thevalve body 12 and is contiguous with the cavity 38. Moreover, the bore62 defines an interior surface 68 and an annular shoulder 70, eachextending about the longitudinal center axis 54. The interior surface 68adjoins both the annular shoulder 70 and the annular interior surface58. The annular shoulder 70 faces in the axial direction 32. In severalexemplary embodiments, a sloping annular lip 72 is formed in the valvebody 12 at the border between the interior surface 68 and the annularinterior surface 58. Further, the bore 64 is contiguous with, and has asmaller diameter than, the bore 62. The bore 64 defines an interiorsurface 74 and an annular shoulder 76, each extending about thelongitudinal center axis 54. The interior surface 74 adjoins both theannular shoulder 76 and the annular shoulder 70 defined by the bore 62.The annular shoulder 76 faces in the axial direction 32. Further still,the bore 66 is contiguous with, and has a smaller diameter than, thebore 64. The bore 66 defines an interior surface 78 that extends aboutthe longitudinal center axis 54. The interior surface 78 adjoins boththe face 12 b of the valve body 12 and the annular shoulder 76 definedby the bore 64.

A fluid passage 80 extends through the protrusion 48 a and into thevalve body 12, intersecting the cavity 38. Consequently, a fluid may becommunicated through the fluid passage 80 to and/or from the cavity 38by, for example, connecting a fluid line (not shown) to the protrusion48 a via the fluid-line connector 50 a. The fluid passage 80 defines acylindrical surface 82 extending about a longitudinal center axis 84.Moreover, at the junction of the fluid passage 80 and the cavity 38, theinterior of the valve body 12 defines an intersection 86. Similarly, afluid passage 88 extends through the protrusion 48 b and into the valvebody 12, intersecting the cavity 38. Consequently, a fluid may becommunicated through the fluid passage 88 to and/or from the cavity 38by, for example, connecting a fluid line (not shown) to the protrusion48 b via the fluid-line connector 50 b. The fluid passage 88 defines acylindrical surface 90 extending about the longitudinal center axis 84.Moreover, at the junction of the fluid passage 88 and the cavity 38, theinterior of the valve body 12 defines an intersection 92. In severalexemplary embodiments, the longitudinal center axis 84 lies in a planethat is substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the longitudinalcenter axis 54 lies. In several exemplary embodiments, the longitudinalcenter axis 84 intersects the longitudinal center axis 52.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of the bonnet 14 isillustrated. The bonnet 14 includes a generally cylindrical flange 94that extends about a longitudinal center axis 96 and defines opposingfaces 94 a and 94 b. The face 94 a faces in an axial direction 98. Incontrast, the face 94 b faces in an axial direction 100, which issubstantially opposite the axial direction 98. The face 94 b is adaptedto abut, or nearly abut, the face 12 a of the valve body 12 when thebonnet 14 is connected to the valve body 12. In several exemplaryembodiments, when the bonnet 14 is connected to the valve body 12 sothat the end face 94 b of the flange 94 abuts, or nearly abuts, the face12 a of the valve body 12, the bonnet 14 is axially immovable relativeto the valve body 12.

A pair of generally cylindrical protrusions 102 and 104 extend from theface 94 b of the flange 94 in the axial direction 100. The protrusion102 extends from the face 94 b and is contiguous with the flange 94. Anannular groove 106 is formed in the face 94 b of the flange 94,concentrically about the protrusion 102. The annular groove 106 isadapted to receive the metal ring seal 24. Moreover, a plurality ofholes (not shown) are formed through the flange 94. The holes (notshown) are distributed concentrically about the annular groove 106 andare adapted to accommodate respective ones of the fasteners 22 toconnect the bonnet 14 to the valve body 12. Accordingly, when the bonnet14 is connected to the valve body 12 via the fasteners 22, the metalring seal 24 is adapted to be crushed within the respective annulargrooves 106 and 40 of the bonnet 14 and the valve body 12.

The protrusion 102 defines an exterior surface 108 and an annularshoulder 110, each extending about the longitudinal center axis 96. Theexterior surface 108 adjoins both the annular shoulder 110 and the face94 b defined by the flange 94. Moreover, when the bonnet 14 is connectedto the valve body 12, the exterior surface 108 is adapted to engage, ornearly engage, at least a portion of the interior surface 52 defined bythe opening 36. The annular shoulder 110 faces in the axial direction100 and is adapted to constrain the biasing member 20, as will bediscussed in further detail below.

The protrusion 104 is contiguous with, and has a smaller diameter than,the protrusion 102. The protrusion 104 defines an exterior surface 112and an end face 114, each extending about the longitudinal center axis96. The exterior surface 112 adjoins both the end face 114 and theannular shoulder 110 defined by the protrusion 102. Moreover, theexterior surface 112 is adapted to extend within at least a portion ofthe biasing member 20. The end face 114 faces in the axial direction 100and is adapted to abut, or nearly abut, the tapered insert 16, as willbe discussed in further detail below.

A trio of contiguous bores 116, 118, and 120 are formed in the bonnet14. The bore 116 is formed in the end face 114 of the protrusion 104.The bore 116 defines an interior surface 122 and an annular shoulder124, each extending about the longitudinal center axis 96. The interiorsurface 122 adjoins both the annular shoulder 124 and the end face 114of the protrusion 104. The annular shoulder 124 faces in the axialdirection 100. In several exemplary embodiments, a sloping annular lip126 is formed in the bonnet 14 at the border between the interiorsurface 122 and the end face 114. Further, the bore 118 is contiguouswith, and has a smaller diameter than, the bore 116. The bore 118defines an interior surface 128 and an annular shoulder 130, eachextending about the longitudinal center axis 96. The interior surface128 adjoins both the annular shoulder 130 and the annular shoulder 124defined by the bore 116. The annular shoulder 130 faces in the axialdirection 100. Further still, the bore 120 is contiguous with, and has asmaller diameter than, the bore 118. The bore 120 defines an interiorsurface 132 that extends about the longitudinal center axis 96. Theinterior surface 132 adjoins both the end face 94 a defined by theflange 94 and the annular shoulder 130 defined by the bore 118.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of the tapered insert 16 isillustrated. The tapered insert 16 is split longitudinally so as toinclude opposing sections 134 and 136. The opposing sections 134 and 136are adapted to abut, or nearly abut, one another along a longitudinalplane. Moreover, the tapered insert 16 defines opposing end portions 16a and 16 b. The tapered insert 16 includes an exterior surface 138 thatis tapered inwardly from the end portion 16 a to the end portion 16 bthereof. The exterior surface 138 is adapted to conform to the taperedinterior surface 56 defined by the cavity 38 of the valve body 12. Incontrast, the tapered insert 16 includes an interior surface 140 thatoutlines a generally cylindrical profile when the sections 134 and 136of the tapered insert 16 abut, or nearly abut, one another. A pair offluid passages 142 a and 142 b are formed through the sections 134 and136, respectively, of the tapered insert 16. The fluid passages 142 aand 142 b are substantially co-axial with one another when the sections134 and 136 of the tapered insert 16 abut, or nearly abut, one another.Moreover, in several exemplary embodiments, the fluid passages 142 a and142 b define a common axis that intersects the longitudinal plane, alongwhich the sections 134 and 136 abut one another, at an oblique angle.

The fluid passage 142 a defines a cylindrical surface 144 a in thesection 134 of the tapered insert 16. When the section 134 of thetapered insert 16 conforms to the tapered interior surface 56 of thecavity 38, the cylindrical surface 144 a is substantially aligned withthe cylindrical surface 82 formed in the valve body 12. As a result, thefluid passage 80 is in fluid communication with the fluid passage 142 a.Moreover, a groove 146 a is formed in the exterior surface 138 of thesection 134. The groove 146 a extends concentrically about the fluidpassage 142 a and is adapted to accommodate an annular seal (not shown),which seal, in turn, sealingly engages the valve body 12 about theintersection 86.

Similarly, the fluid passage 142 b defines a cylindrical surface 144 bin the section 136 of the tapered insert 16. When the section 136 of thetapered insert 16 conforms to the tapered interior surface 56 of thecavity 38, the cylindrical surface 144 b is substantially aligned withthe cylindrical surface 90 formed in the valve body 12. As a result, thefluid passage 88 is in fluid communication with the fluid passage 142 b.Moreover, a groove 146 b (not visible in FIG. 4) is formed in theexterior surface 138 of the section 136. The groove 146 b extendsconcentrically about the fluid passage 142 b and is adapted toaccommodate an annular seal (not shown), which seal, in turn, sealinglyengages the valve body 12 about the intersection 92.

An annular tongue 148 extends along the tapered insert 16 at the endportion 16 a thereof, extending inwardly beyond the interior surface140. The annular tongue 148 defines an annular shoulder 150 adjoiningthe interior surface 140 and facing in an axial direction 152. Further,an end face 154 is defined at the end portion 16 a of the tapered insert16. In several exemplary embodiments, the end face 154 is at leastpartially defined by the annular tongue 148. The end face 154 faces inan axial direction 156, which is substantially opposite the axialdirection 152. The end face 154 is adapted to constrain the biasingmember 20, as will be discussed in further detail below. Moreover, anannular rim 158 is formed by the extension of the exterior surface 138beyond the end face 154. The annular rim 158 engages, or nearly engages,the biasing member 20 when the plug valve 10 is assembled.

Further, one or more notches 160 extend radially through the annulartongue 148, the annular rim 158, and the exterior surface 138 at the endportion 16 a of the tapered insert 16. In several exemplary embodiments,each of the sections 134 and 136 of the tapered insert 16 includes oneor more of the notches 160. In several exemplary embodiments, thenotches 160 are evenly distributed about the insert 16.

Further still, one or more longitudinal grooves 162 are formed into thetapered insert 16. Each of the longitudinal grooves 162 extendslongitudinally along at least a portion of the exterior surface 138 ofthe tapered insert 16 and through the annular rim 158. In severalexemplary embodiments, each of the sections 134 and 136 of the taperedinsert 16 includes one of the longitudinal grooves 162. In severalexemplary embodiments, the longitudinal grooves 162 are located onsubstantially opposite sides of the tapered insert 16 when the sections134 and 136 abut, or nearly abut, one another. The longitudinal grooves162 are adapted to receive respective ones of the roll pins 28 a and 28b to prevent, or at least obstruct, turning, shifting, and/or rotationof the tapered insert 16 relative to the valve body 12.

Finally, an end face 164 is defined at the end portion 16 b of thetapered insert 16. The end face 164 faces in the axial direction 152 andis adapted to abut, or nearly abut, at least a portion of the annularinterior surface 58 defined by the cavity 38.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of the plug 18 isillustrated. The plug 18 includes a valve cylinder 166 that definesopposing end faces 166 a and 166 b adjoining a generally cylindricalexterior surface 166 c. The end face 166 a faces in an axial direction168. Moreover, the end face 114 of the bonnet 14 is adapted to abut, ornearly abut, the end face 166 a. In contrast, the end face 166 b facesin an axial direction 170, which is substantially opposite the axialdirection 168. The end face 166 b is adapted to abut, or nearly abut, atleast a portion of the annular interior surface 58 defined by the cavity38. Further, the exterior surface 166 c extends about a longitudinalcenter axis 172 and defines opposing end portions 166 ca and 166 cb.When the respective sections 134 and 136 of the tapered insert 16 abut,or nearly abut, one another, the interior surface 140 of the taperedinsert 16 is adapted to conform to the exterior surface 166 c of thevalve cylinder 166.

An annular groove 174 is formed in the exterior surface 166 c of thevalve cylinder 166 at the end portion 166 ca thereof. Alternatively, theannular groove 174 may be formed at the end portion 166 cb of the valvecylinder 166. The annular groove 174 is adapted to receive the annulartongue 148 of the tapered insert 16 when the interior surface 140 of thetapered insert 16 conforms to the exterior surface 166 c of the valvecylinder 166. Accordingly, when the plug 18 is subjected to externalforces that tend to move it axially, such as, for example, hydrauliclift, the tapered insert 16 remains in a fixed position relative to theplug 18. Moreover, when the tapered insert 16 is subject to externalforces that tend to move it axially, such as, for example, an axialforce imparted by the biasing member 20, the plug 18 remains in a fixedposition relative to the tapered insert 16. In several exemplaryembodiments, instead of the annular groove 174 being formed in the valvecylinder 166 and the annular tongue 148 extending along the taperedinsert 16, the annular groove 174 is formed in the tapered insert 16 andthe annular tongue extends along the valve cylinder 166.

A fluid passage 176 extends through the valve cylinder 166. The fluidpassage 176 defines a cylindrical surface 178 extending about alongitudinal center axis 180. When the interior surface 140 of thetapered insert 16 conforms to the exterior surface 166 c of the valvecylinder 166, the cylindrical surface 178 of the plug 18 issubstantially aligned with the cylindrical surfaces 144 a and 144 b ofthe tapered insert 16 and the cylindrical surfaces 82 and 90 of thevalve body 12. As a result, the fluid passage 176 of the plug 18 is influid communication with the fluid passages 80 and 88 of the valve body12 via the fluid passages 142 a and 142 b, respectively, of the taperedinsert 16. In several exemplary embodiments, the longitudinal centeraxis 180 lies in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a planein which the longitudinal center axis 172 lies. In several exemplaryembodiments, the longitudinal center axis 180 intersects thelongitudinal center axis 172.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plug 18 includes a pair of generallycylindrical protrusions 182 and 184 extending from the end face 166 a ofthe valve cylinder 166 in the axial direction 168.

The protrusion 182 extends from the end face 166 a and is contiguouswith the valve cylinder 166. The protrusion 182 defines an exteriorsurface 186 and an annular shoulder 188, each extending about thelongitudinal center axis 172. The exterior surface 186 adjoins both theannular shoulder 188 and the end face 166 a defined by the valvecylinder 166. Moreover, the exterior surface 186 is adapted to engage,or nearly engage, the interior surface 122 of the bonnet 14. The annularshoulder 188 faces in the axial direction 168. At least a portion of theannular shoulder 188 is adapted to abut, or nearly abut, the annularshoulder 124 of the bonnet 14. In several exemplary embodiments, asloping annular lip 189 is formed in the plug 18 at the border betweenthe exterior surface 186 and the annular shoulder 188. The annular lip189 is adapted to engage the annular lip 126 of the bonnet 14 to easethe installation of the protrusion 182 into the bore 116 of the bonnet14.

The protrusion 184 is contiguous with, and has a smaller diameter than,the protrusion 182. The protrusion 184 defines an exterior surface 190and an end face 192, each extending about the longitudinal center axis172. The exterior surface 190 adjoins both the end face 192 and theannular shoulder 188 defined by the protrusion 182. Moreover, at least aportion of the exterior surface 190 is adapted to engage, or nearlyengage, the interior surface 132 of the bonnet 14. The end face 192faces in the axial direction 168. The packing element 26 a is adapted tobe constrained between the annular shoulder 130 of the bonnet 14 and atleast a portion of the annular shoulder 188 of the protrusion 182.Constrained as such, the packing element 26 a sealingly engages both theinterior surface 128 of the bonnet 14 and at least a portion of theexterior surface 190 of the protrusion 184 to prevent, or at leastreduce, leakage of a fluid from the interior of the valve body 12 toatmosphere.

Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, the plug 18 includes a pair ofgenerally cylindrical protrusions 194 and 196 extending from the endface 166 b of the valve cylinder 166 in the axial direction 170.

The protrusion 194 extends from the end face 166 b and is contiguouswith the valve cylinder 166. The protrusion 194 defines an exteriorsurface 198 and an annular shoulder 200, each extending about thelongitudinal center axis 172. The exterior surface 198 adjoins both theannular shoulder 200 and the end face 166 b defined by the valvecylinder 166. Moreover, the exterior surface 198 is adapted to engage,or nearly engage, the interior surface 68 of the valve body 12. Theannular shoulder 200 faces in the axial direction 170. At least aportion of the annular shoulder 200 is adapted to abut, or nearly abut,the annular shoulder 70 of the valve body 12. In several exemplaryembodiments, a sloping annular lip 201 is formed in the plug 18 at theborder between the exterior surface 198 and the annular shoulder 200.The annular lip 201 is adapted to engage the annular lip 72 of the valvebody 12 to ease the installation of the protrusion 194 into the bore 62of the valve body 12.

The protrusion 196 is contiguous with, and has a smaller diameter than,the protrusion 194. The protrusion 196 defines an exterior surface 202and an end face 204, each extending about the longitudinal center axis172. The exterior surface 202 adjoins both the end face 204 and theannular shoulder 200 defined by the protrusion 194. Moreover, at least aportion of the exterior surface 202 is adapted to engage, or nearlyengage, the interior surface 78 of the valve body 12. The end face 204faces in the axial direction 170. The packing element 26 b is adapted tobe constrained between the annular shoulder 76 of the valve body 12 andat least a portion of the annular shoulder 200 of the protrusion 194.Constrained as such, the packing element 26 b sealingly engages both theinterior surface 74 of the valve body 12 and at least a portion of theexterior surface 202 of the protrusion 196 to prevent, or at leastreduce, leakage of a fluid from the interior of the valve body 12 toatmosphere. In several exemplary embodiments, a socket 206 (visible inFIG. 7) is formed in the end face 204 of the plug 18. The socket 206 isadapted to receive a tool (not shown) such as, for example, a handle ora wheel, to rotate the plug 18, as will be discussed in further detailbelow.

Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary embodiment of the biasing member 20 isillustrated. The biasing member 20 includes a trio of frusto-conicalspring washers 208 (a.k.a. Belleville washers). The spring washers 208are adapted to be constrained between the annular shoulder 110 of thebonnet 14 and the end face 154 of the tapered insert 16. Accordingly,when the plug valve 10 is assembled, the spring washers 208 are adaptedto urge the tapered insert 16 into engagement, or near engagement, withthe valve body 12. Specifically, the spring washers 208 urge the endface 164 and the exterior surface 138 of the tapered insert 16 intoengagement, or near engagement, with the annular interior surface 58 andthe tapered interior surface 56, respectively, of the valve body 12.Although the biasing member 20 has been described as a trio offrusto-conical spring washers 208, the biasing member 20 may include anysuitable number of the spring washers 208 such as, for example, onespring washer, two spring washers, four spring washers, five springwashers, six spring washers, seven spring washers, eight spring washers,nine spring washers, ten spring washers, or more. Moreover, in severalexemplary embodiments, the biasing member 20 is or includes one or morecomponents that are not the spring washers 208, such as, for example, awave spring, a helical spring, a compressed elastic material, anothertype of biasing member, or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the plug valve 10 is illustrated in anassembled state, including the valve body 12, the bonnet 14, the taperedinsert 16, the plug 18, and the biasing member 20.

In the assembled state, the plug 18 extends within and engages thetapered insert 16, which insert, in turn, extends within and engages thevalve body 12. As a result, the exterior surface 138 of the taperedinsert 16 conforms to the tapered interior surface 56 of the valve body12. The annular groove 146 a in the section 134 of the tapered insert 16accommodates a seal (not shown) that sealingly engages the valve body 12concentrically about the intersection 86. Similarly, the annular groove146 b in the section 136 of the tapered insert 16 accommodates a seal(not shown) that sealingly engages the valve body 12 concentricallyabout the intersection 92. Additionally, the roll pins 28 a and 28 bengage both the tapered insert 16 and the interior of the valve body 12to prevent, or at least obstruct, turning, shifting, and/or rotation ofthe tapered insert 16 relative to the valve body 12. Specifically, thelongitudinal grooves 162 in the tapered insert 16 and the holes 44 a and44 b in the valve body 12 receive respective ones of the roll pins 28 aand 28 b.

Further, the opposing sections 134 and 136 of the tapered insert 16envelop the plug 18 so that the interior surface 140 of the taperedinsert 16 conforms to the exterior surface 166 c of the plug 18. In thisposition, the opposing section 134 and 136 abut, or nearly abut, oneanother, and the annular tongue 148 of the tapered insert 16 interlockswith the annular groove 174 of the plug 18. The interlocking of theannular tongue 148 with the annular groove 174 maintains the taperedinsert 16 and the plug 18 in substantially fixed positions relative toone another. As a result, the tapered insert 16 and the plug 18 staytogether when the tapered insert 16 and/or the plug 18 are subject toexternal forces that tend to move them axially, such as, for example, anaxial force imparted to the tapered insert 16 by the biasing member 20,hydraulic lift imparted to the plug 18, or some other axial force.Although the interlocking of the annular tongue 148 with the annulargroove 174 prevents, or at least obstructs, relative axial movement ofthe tapered insert 16 and the plug 18, the plug 18 is still permitted torotate relative to the tapered insert 16, as will be discussed infurther detail below.

Further still, the bonnet 14 is connected to the valve body 12 with thefasteners 22, thus securing the tapered insert 16, the plug 18, and thebiasing member 20 within the valve body 12. As a result, the face 94 bof the bonnet 14 abuts, or nearly abuts, the face 12 a of the valve body12. Moreover, the exterior surface 108 of the bonnet 14 engages, ornearly engages, at least a portion of the interior surface 52 of thevalve body 12. In this position, the metal ring seal 24 is crushedwithin the respective annular grooves 106 and 40 of the bonnet 14 andthe valve body 12. The crushed metal ring seal 24 prevents, or at leastreduces, leakage of a fluid from the interior of the plug valve 10 toatmosphere.

The end face 114 of the bonnet 14 abuts, or nearly abuts, the end face166 a of the plug 18. Additionally, the annular shoulder 124 and theinterior surfaces 122 and 132 of the bonnet 14 engage, or nearly engage,the annular shoulder 188 the exterior surfaces 186 and 190,respectively, of the plug 18. The packing element 26 a is thusconstrained between the annular shoulder 130 of the bonnet 14 and atleast a portion of the annular shoulder 188 of the plug 18. In thisposition, the packing element 26 a sealingly engages both the interiorsurface 128 of the bonnet 14 and at least a portion of the exteriorsurface 190 of the plug 18 to prevent, or at least reduce, leakage of afluid from the interior of the plug valve 10 to atmosphere.

The end face 166 b of the plug 18 abuts, or nearly abuts, the annularinterior surface 58 of the valve body 12. Additionally, the annularshoulder 200 and the exterior surfaces 198 and 202 of the plug 18engage, or nearly engage, the annular shoulder 70 and the interiorsurfaces 68 and 78, respectively, of the valve body 12. The packingelement 26 b is thus constrained between the annular shoulder 76 of thevalve body 12 and at least a portion of the annular shoulder 200 of theplug 18. In this position, the packing element 26 b sealingly engagesboth the interior surface 74 of the valve body 76 and at least a portionof the exterior surface 202 of the plug 18 to prevent, or at leastreduce, leakage of a fluid from the interior of the valve body 12 toatmosphere.

In several exemplary embodiments, the protrusion 196 of the plug 18extends through the bore 66 of the valve body 12 so that the end face204 of the plug 18 protrudes beyond the face 12 b of the valve body 12.In several exemplary embodiments, the end face 204 of the plug 18 isflush with the face 12 b of the valve body 12. In several exemplaryembodiments, the end face 204 of the plug 18 is disposed within the bore66 of the valve body 12. In any event, the end face 204 of the plug 18is accessible from the exterior of the valve body 12.

Finally, the biasing member 20 is constrained between the annularshoulder 110 of the bonnet 14 and the end face 154 of the tapered insert16. As a result, the annular rim 158 of the tapered insert 16 engages,or nearly engages, the biasing member 20. In this position, the biasingmember 20 urges the tapered insert 16 into engagement, or nearengagement, with the valve body 12. Specifically, the biasing member 20urges the end face 164 and the exterior surface 138 of the taperedinsert 16 to abut, or nearly abut, the annular interior surface 58 andthe tapered interior surface 56, respectively, of the valve body 12. Asa result of the tapering of the tapered interior surface 56 and theexterior surface 138, the force imparted on the tapered insert 16 by thebiasing member 20 resolves into a normal contacting force between theplug 18 and the opposing sections 134 and 136 of the tapered insert 16.

In operation, an exemplary embodiment of which is illustrated in FIGS.8A and 8B, with continuing reference to FIG. 7, the plug valve 10 isactuable between an open configuration and a closed configuration tocontrol the flow of a fluid 210. The plug valve 10 is actuated byengaging a tool (not shown) such as, for example, a handle or a wheel,in the socket 206 (visible in FIG. 7) to rotate the plug 18 relative tothe valve body 12, the bonnet 14, and the tapered insert 16. Therotation of the plug 18 causes the annular groove 174 of the plug 18 toslidably engage the annular tongue 148 of the tapered insert 16, thusactuating the plug valve 10 between the open configuration and theclosed configuration.

In the open configuration, as shown in FIG. 8A, the fluid passage 176 ofthe plug 18 is in fluid communication with the fluid passages 80 and 88of the valve body 12 via the fluid passages 142 a and 142 b,respectively, of the tapered insert 16. As a result, the fluid 210 iscommunicated from the fluid passage 80 to the fluid passage 88, as shownin FIG. 8A. Ideally, to prevent turbulence in the flow of the fluid 210and resultant wear to the components of the plug valve 10, thecylindrical surface 178 of the plug 18 is substantially aligned with thecylindrical surfaces 82 and 90 of the valve body 12 and the cylindricalsurfaces 144 a and 144 b of the tapered insert 16. However, axial forcessuch as, for example, hydraulic lift caused by the flow of the fluid210, may be imparted to the tapered insert 16 and/or the plug 18 in anaxial direction 212. Such axial forces tend to cause misalignmentbetween the cylindrical surfaces 144 a and 144 b of the tapered insert16 and the cylindrical surfaces 82 and 90, respectively, of the valvebody 12. At the same time, the interlocking of the annular tongue 148with the annular groove 174 prevents, or at least reduces, misalignmentbetween the cylindrical surface 178 of the plug 18 and the cylindricalsurfaces 144 a and 144 b of the tapered insert 16.

The biasing member 20 counteracts the axial forces imparted to thetapered insert 16 and/or the plug 18 in the axial direction 212 byurging the tapered insert 16 in an axial direction 214, which issubstantially opposite the axial direction 212. In this manner, thebiasing member 20 maintains the substantial alignment between thecylindrical surfaces 144 a and 144 b of the tapered insert 16 and thecylindrical surfaces 82 and 90 of the valve body 12. At the same time,the interlocking of the annular tongue 148 with the annular groove 174maintains the substantial alignment between the cylindrical surface 178of the plug 18 and the cylindrical surfaces 144 a and 144 b of thetapered insert 16. The force imparted to the tapered insert 16 by thebiasing member 20 resolves into a normal contacting force between theplug 18 and the opposing sections 134 and 136 of the tapered insert 16.

The lubrication ports 46 a and 46 b receive the grease fittings 30 a and30 b, respectively, to permit the pumping of a lubrication fluid intothe valve body 12. In several exemplary embodiments, a lubrication fluidis pumped into the plug valve 10 via at least one of the grease fittings30 a and 30 b and a corresponding one of the lubrication ports 46 a and46 b to lubricate and seal the interface between the plug 18 and thetapered insert 16. The lubrication fluid migrates into an annular spacedefined between the tapered insert 16 and the plug 18. As a result, thenormal contacting force between the plug 18 and the opposing sections134 and 136 of the tapered insert 16 causes the lubrication fluid toform a seal, thus preventing, or at least reducing, leakage of the fluid210 into the annular space between the tapered insert 16 and the plug18. Moreover, as the fluid 210 is communicated between the fluidpassages 80 and 88 of the valve body 12, the seals (not shown) in theannular grooves 146 a and 146 b prevent, or at least obstruct, leakageof the fluid 210 into an annular space defined between the valve body 12and the tapered insert 16.

In the closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 8B, the plug 18 is rotatedto prevent, or at least obstruct, communication of the fluid 210 betweenthe fluid passages 80 and 88 of the valve body 12. Specifically, whenthe plug 18 is rotated roughly 90 degrees from the open configuration(shown in FIG. 8A), the fluid passage 176 of the plug 18 is no longersubstantially aligned with the fluid passages 142 a and 142 b of thetapered insert 16 or the fluid passages 80 and 88 of the valve body 12.Instead, the exterior surface 166 c of the plug 18 is substantiallyaligned with the fluid passages 142 a and 142 b of the tapered insert 16and the fluid passages 80 and 88 of the valve body 12. As discussedabove, the lubrication fluid pumped into the plug valve 10 migrates intoan annular space defined between the tapered insert 16 and the plug 18.As a result, the normal contacting force between the plug 18 and theopposing sections 134 and 136 of the tapered insert 16 causes thelubrication fluid to form a seal, thus preventing, or at least reducing,leakage of the fluid 210 into the annular space between the taperedinsert 16 and the plug 18. Moreover, the seals (not shown) in theannular grooves 146 a and 146 b prevent, or at least obstruct, leakageof the fluid 210 into an annular space defined between the valve body 12and the tapered insert 16. As a result, the plug 18 prevents, or atleast obstructs, communication of the fluid 210 between the fluidpassages 80 and 88 of the valve body 12.

In several exemplary embodiments, even with the extreme pressures,temperatures, and flow rates encountered by the plug valve 10 duringoperation, the biasing member 20 maintains the substantial alignmentbetween the cylindrical surfaces 144 a and 144 b of the tapered insert16 and the cylindrical surfaces 82 and 90 of the valve body 12. Inseveral exemplary embodiments, despite the thermal expansion orcontraction of the various components of the plug valve 10 duringoperation, the biasing member 20 maintains the substantial alignmentbetween the cylindrical surfaces 144 a and 144 b of the tapered insert16 and the cylindrical surfaces 82 and 90 of the valve body 12. Inseveral exemplary embodiments, regardless of the axial forces impartedto the tapered insert 12 and/or the plug 18 during operation of the plugvalve 10, the biasing member 20 maintains the substantial alignmentbetween the cylindrical surfaces 144 a and 144 b of the tapered insert16 and the cylindrical surfaces 82 and 90 of the valve body 12.

In several exemplary embodiments, even with the extreme pressures,temperatures, and flow rates encountered by the plug valve 10 duringoperation, the interlocking of the annular tongue 148 with the annulargroove 174 maintains the substantial alignment between the cylindricalsurface 178 of the plug 18 and the cylindrical surfaces 144 a and 144 bof the tapered insert 16. In several exemplary embodiments, despite thethermal expansion or contraction of the various components of the plugvalve 10 during operation, the interlocking of the annular tongue 148with the annular groove 174 maintains the substantial alignment betweenthe cylindrical surface 178 of the plug 18 and the cylindrical surfaces144 a and 144 b of the tapered insert 16. In several exemplaryembodiments, regardless of the axial forces imparted to the taperedinsert 12 and/or the plug 18 during operation of the plug valve 10, theinterlocking of the annular tongue 148 with the annular groove 174maintains the substantial alignment between the cylindrical surface 178of the plug 18 and the cylindrical surfaces 144 a and 144 b of thetapered insert 16.

In several exemplary embodiments, even with the extreme pressures,temperatures, and flow rates encountered by the plug valve 10 duringoperation, the crushing of the metal ring seal 24 within the respectiveannular grooves 40 and 106 of the valve body 12 and the bonnet 14prevents, or at least reduces, leakage of a fluid from the interior ofthe plug valve 10 to atmosphere. In several exemplary embodiments,despite the thermal expansion or contraction of the various componentsof the plug valve 10 during operation, the crushing of the metal ringseal 24 within the respective annular grooves 40 and 106 of the valvebody 12 and the bonnet 14 prevents, or at least reduces, leakage of afluid from the interior of the plug valve 10 to atmosphere. In severalexemplary embodiments, regardless of the axial forces imparted to thetapered insert 12 and/or the plug 18 during operation of the plug valve10, the crushing of the metal ring seal 24 within the respective annulargrooves 40 and 106 of the valve body 12 and the bonnet 14 prevents, orat least reduces, leakage of a fluid from the interior of the plug valve10 to atmosphere.

In several exemplary embodiments, the wear, erosion, and/or completewash-out of the plug valve 10, including the valve body 12, the bonnet14, the insert 16, and/or the plug 18, is prevented, or at leastreduced, as a result of the biasing member 20 maintaining thesubstantial alignment between the cylindrical surfaces 144 a and 144 bof the tapered insert 16 and the cylindrical surfaces 82 and 90 of thevalve body 12. In several exemplary embodiments, the wear, erosion,and/or complete wash-out of the plug valve 10, including the valve body12, the bonnet 14, the insert 16, and/or the plug 18, is prevented, orat least reduced, as a result of the annular tongue 148 interlockingwith the annular groove 174 to maintain the substantial alignmentbetween the cylindrical surface 178 of the plug 18 and the cylindricalsurfaces 144 a and 144 b of the tapered insert 16.

In several exemplary embodiments, the fasteners 22 are omitted in favorof threads on the exterior of the bonnet 14, the threads being adaptedto threadably engage the valve body 12 to secure the tapered insert 16and the plug 18 within the cavity 38. In several exemplary embodiments,the biasing member 20 is omitted and the bonnet 14 directly engages thetapered insert 16. Accordingly, the bonnet 14 may take the form of athreaded cap in some embodiments.

In several exemplary embodiments, rather than being split into theopposing sections 134 and 136, the tapered insert 16 is split into morethan two sections, such as, for example, three sections, four sections,five sections, or more.

In several exemplary embodiments, rather than extending along the commonlongitudinal center axis 84, the fluid passages 80 and 88 extend alongseparate axes. Further, in several exemplary embodiments, rather thandefining a common axis, the fluid passages 142 a and 142 b of thetapered insert 16 define separate axes so that the fluid passages 142 aand 142 b of the tapered insert 16 remain substantially aligned with thefluid passages 80 and 88 of the valve body 12. Further still, in severalexemplary embodiments, rather than extending along the longitudinalcenter axis 180, the fluid passage 176 of the plug 18 is divided intoseparate sections each extending along separate axes so that the fluidpassage remains substantially aligned with the fluid passages 142 a and142 b when the plug valve 10 is in the open configuration.

The present disclosure introduces a plug valve, including a valve bodydefining a cavity and a pair of fluid passages intersecting the cavity,the cavity defining a tapered interior surface of the valve body; a plugextending within the cavity of the valve body, the plug defining anexterior surface and a fluid passage adapted to be substantially alignedwith the fluid passages of the valve body; an insert extending withinthe cavity and circumferentially about at least a portion of the plug,the insert defining a pair of fluid passages substantially aligned witheach of the fluid passages of the valve body, respectively; a bonnetconnected to the valve body to secure the plug and the insert within thecavity; and a biasing member constrained between the bonnet and theinsert. In an exemplary embodiment, the bonnet includes a flangeconnected to the valve body and axially immovable relative thereto, anda first protrusion extending from the flange, the first protrusiondefining an annular shoulder; and the biasing member is constrainedaxially between the insert and the annular shoulder of the firstprotrusion. In an exemplary embodiment, the bonnet includes a secondprotrusion about which the biasing member extends, the second protrusionextending from the first protrusion and defining an end face; the plugincludes a valve cylinder through which the fluid passage of the plug isformed, the valve cylinder defining an end face; and the end face of thesecond protrusion abuts, or nearly abuts, the end face of the valvecylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the biasing member includes one ormore frusto-conical spring washers, at least one of which extends aboutthe second protrusion. In an exemplary embodiment, first and secondannular grooves are formed in the valve body and the flange,respectively; the plug valve further includes a metal ring sealextending within the first and second annular grooves; and the metalring seal is crushed between the flange and the valve body to prevent,or at least reduce, the leakage of a fluid from the interior of thevalve body to atmosphere. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug isadapted to rotate, relative to the insert, to an open configuration inwhich the fluid passage of the plug is substantially aligned with thefluid passages of the insert so that the fluid passages of the valvebody are in fluid communication with one another via the fluid passagesof the insert and the fluid passage of the plug. In an exemplaryembodiment, an annular tongue extends along one of the insert and theplug and an annular groove is formed in the other of the insert and theplug; and the annular tongue and the annular groove interlock with oneanother so that, when the plug is in the open configuration, the fluidpassage of the plug is substantially aligned with each of the fluidpassages of the insert. In an exemplary embodiment, the biasing memberurges the insert to engage the tapered interior surface of the valvebody, resulting in a normal contacting force between the insert and theexterior surface of the plug. In an exemplary embodiment, the biasingmember maintains the substantial alignment between the fluid passages ofthe insert and the fluid passages of the valve body, respectively, byurging the insert to engage the tapered interior surface of the valvebody. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug is adapted to rotate,relative to the insert, to a closed configuration in which the fluidpassages of the insert are substantially aligned entirely withrespective portions of the exterior surface of the plug so that fluidcommunication between the respective fluid passages of the valve body isblocked by the exterior surface of the plug. In an exemplary embodiment,a pair of annular grooves are formed in respective faces of the bonnetand the valve body, the respective faces of the bonnet and the valvebody engaging one another so that the respective annular grooves aresubstantially aligned; the plug valve further includes a metal ring sealextending within the respective annular grooves of the bonnet and thevalve body; and the metal ring seal is crushed between the bonnet andthe valve body to prevent, or at least reduce, the leakage of a fluidfrom the interior of the valve body to atmosphere. In an exemplaryembodiment, the insert includes a pair of sections adapted to abut, ornearly abut, one another along a longitudinal plane; and each of thesections includes a respective one of the fluid passages of the insert.

The present disclosure also introduces a plug valve, including a valvebody defining a cavity and a pair of fluid passages intersecting thecavity, the cavity defining a tapered interior surface of the valvebody; a plug extending within the cavity of the valve body, the plugdefining an exterior surface and a fluid passage adapted to besubstantially aligned with each of the fluid passages of the valve body;an insert extending within the cavity and circumferentially about atleast a portion of the plug, the insert defining a pair of fluidpassages substantially aligned with the fluid passages of the valvebody, respectively; an annular groove formed in one of the plug and theinsert; and an annular tongue extending along the other of the plug andthe insert, the annular tongue being adapted to interlock with theannular groove. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug is adapted torotate, relative to the insert, to an open configuration in which thefluid passage of the plug is substantially aligned with the fluidpassages of the insert so that the fluid passages of the valve body arein fluid communication with one another via the fluid passages of theinsert and the fluid passage of the plug. In an exemplary embodiment,when the plug is in the open configuration, the interlocking of theannular tongue with the annular groove aligns the fluid passage of theplug with the fluid passages of the insert. In an exemplary embodiment,the plug is adapted to rotate, relative to the insert, to a closedconfiguration in which the fluid passages of the insert aresubstantially aligned entirely with respective portions of the exteriorsurface of the plug so that fluid communication between the respectivefluid passages of the valve body is blocked by the exterior surface ofthe plug. In an exemplary embodiment, the insert engages the taperedinterior surface of the valve body, resulting in a normal contactingforce between the insert and the exterior surface of the plug. In anexemplary embodiment, the insert includes a pair of sections adapted toabut, or nearly abut, one another along a longitudinal plane; and eachof the sections includes a respective one of the fluid passages of theinsert.

The present disclosure also introduces a plug valve, including a valvebody defining a face, a cavity formed in the face, and a pair of fluidpassages intersecting the cavity, the cavity defining a tapered interiorsurface of the valve body; a plug extending within the cavity of thevalve body, the plug defining an exterior surface and a fluid passageadapted to be substantially aligned with each of the fluid passages ofthe valve body; an insert extending within the cavity andcircumferentially about at least a portion of the plug, the insertdefining a pair of fluid passages substantially aligned with the fluidpassages of the valve body, respectively; and a bonnet connected to thevalve body to secure the plug and the insert within the cavity, thebonnet defining a face that engages the face of the valve body; whereina pair of annular grooves are formed in the respective faces of thebonnet and the valve body, the respective annular grooves beingsubstantially aligned with one another. In an exemplary embodiment, theplug valve further includes a metal ring seal extending within therespective annular grooves of the bonnet and the valve body; and themetal ring seal is crushed between the bonnet and the valve body toprevent, or at least reduce, leakage of a fluid from the interior of thevalve body to atmosphere. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug isadapted to rotate, relative to the insert, to an open configuration inwhich the fluid passage of the plug is substantially aligned with thefluid passages of the insert so that the fluid passages of the valvebody are in fluid communication with one another via the fluid passagesof the insert and the fluid passage of the plug. In an exemplaryembodiment, an annular tongue extends along one of the insert and theplug and an annular groove is formed in the other of the insert and theplug; and the annular tongue and the annular groove interlock with oneanother so that, when the plug is in the open configuration, the fluidpassage of the plug is substantially aligned with the fluid passages ofthe insert. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug is adapted to rotaterelative to the insert to a closed configuration, in which the fluidpassages of the insert are substantially aligned entirely withrespective portions of the exterior surface of the plug so that fluidcommunication between the respective fluid passages of the valve body isblocked by the exterior surface of the plug. In an exemplary embodiment,the insert includes a pair of sections adapted to abut, or nearly abut,one another along a longitudinal plane; and each of the sectionsincludes a respective one of the fluid passages of the insert.

The present disclosure also introduces a method that includes actuatinga plug valve from a closed configuration to an open configuration;wherein the plug valve includes: a valve body defining a cavity and apair of fluid passages intersecting the cavity, the cavity defining atapered interior surface of the valve body; a plug extending within thecavity of the valve body, the plug defining an exterior surface and afluid passage adapted to be substantially aligned with the fluidpassages of the valve body when the plug valve is in the openconfiguration; and an insert extending within the cavity andcircumferentially about at least a portion of the plug, the insertdefining a pair of fluid passages substantially aligned with each of thefluid passages of the valve body, respectively; wherein actuating theplug valve to the open configuration causes fluid to flow from one ofthe fluid passages of the valve body to the other of the fluid passagesof the valve body; and wherein, during the fluid flow, an axial force isimparted to the insert and/or the plug in a first axial direction; andcounteracting the axial force imparted to the insert and/or the plug inthe first axial direction, including urging the insert in a second axialdirection that is substantially opposite the first axial direction;wherein urging the insert in the second axial direction maintains thesubstantially alignment between the pair of fluid passages of the insertand each of the fluid passages of the valve body, respectively. In anexemplary embodiment, the insert includes opposing sections throughwhich the pair of fluid passages of the insert are formed, respectively;and wherein urging the insert in the second axial direction results in aforce being imparted to the insert, the force being imparted to theinsert resolving into a normal contacting force between the plug and theopposing sections of the insert. In an exemplary embodiment, the methodincludes permitting a lubrication fluid to migrate into an annular spacedefined between the insert and the plug; wherein the normal contactingforce between the plug and the opposing sections of the insert causesthe lubrication fluid to form a seal, thus preventing, or at leastreducing, leakage of the fluid flow into the annular spaced definedbetween the insert and the plug.

The present disclosure also introduces a method that includes actuatinga plug valve from a closed configuration to an open configuration;wherein the plug valve includes: a valve body defining a cavity and apair of fluid passages intersecting the cavity, the cavity defining atapered interior surface of the valve body; a plug extending within thecavity of the valve body, the plug defining an exterior surface and afluid passage adapted to be substantially aligned with each of the fluidpassages of the valve body when the plug valve is in the openconfiguration; an insert extending within the cavity andcircumferentially about at least a portion of the plug, the insertdefining a pair of fluid passages substantially aligned with the fluidpassages of the valve body, respectively; an annular groove formed inone of the plug and the insert; and an annular tongue extending alongthe other of the plug and the insert; and aligning the fluid passage ofthe plug with the fluid passages of the insert when the plug valve is inthe open configuration, including interlocking the annular tongue withthe annular groove. In an exemplary embodiment, actuating the plug valvefrom the closed configuration to the open configuration includesrotating the plug, relative to the insert, so that the fluid passage ofthe plug is substantially aligned with the fluid passages of the insertand thus the fluid passages of the valve body are in fluid communicationwith one another via the fluid passages of the insert and the fluidpassage of the plug.

The present disclosure also introduces a method that includes providinga valve body defining a face, a cavity formed in the face, and a pair offluid passages intersecting the cavity, the cavity defining a taperedinterior surface of the valve body; positioning an insert and a plugwithin the cavity of the valve body, the insert extendingcircumferentially about at least a portion of the plug, the insertdefining a pair of fluid passages substantially aligned with the fluidpassages of the valve body, respectively, the plug defining an exteriorsurface and a fluid passage adapted to be substantially aligned witheach of the fluid passages of the valve body; connecting a bonnet to thevalve body to secure the plug and the insert within the cavity, thebonnet defining a face that engages the face of the valve body; andcrushing a metal ring seal between the bonnet and the valve body toprevent, or at least reduce, leakage of a fluid from the interior of thevalve body to atmosphere. In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of annulargrooves are formed in the respective faces of the bonnet and the valvebody, the respective annular grooves being substantially aligned withone another; wherein the metal ring seal extends within the respectiveannular grooves of the bonnet and the valve body.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

In several exemplary embodiments, the elements and teachings of thevarious illustrative exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole orin part in some or all of the illustrative exemplary embodiments. Inaddition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the variousillustrative exemplary embodiments may be omitted, at least in part,and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the otherelements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.

Any spatial references, such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,”“below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,”“upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,”“right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,”“bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration onlyand do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structuredescribed above.

In several exemplary embodiments, while different steps, processes, andprocedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more ofthe steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of theprocedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneouslyand/or sequentially. In several exemplary embodiments, the steps,processes, and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps,processes and/or procedures.

In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the operational stepsin each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, somefeatures of the present disclosure may be employed without acorresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of theabove-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in wholeor in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodimentsand/or variations.

Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detailabove, the embodiments described are exemplary only and are notlimiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manyother modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in theexemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, allsuch modifications, changes, and/or substitutions are intended to beincluded within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the followingclaims. In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended tocover the structures described herein as performing the recited functionand not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claimsherein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word“means” together with an associated function.

What is claimed is:
 1. A plug valve, comprising: a valve body defining afirst fluid passage, a second fluid passage, and a cavity from which thefirst and second fluid passages extend; an insert defining third andfourth fluid passages, the insert extending within the cavity so thatthe third and fourth fluid passages are substantially aligned with thefirst and second fluid passages, respectively; a plug defining a fifthfluid passage and extending within the cavity of the valve body so thatthe fifth fluid passage is substantially alignable with the third andfourth fluid passages of the insert; an annular groove formed in one ofthe plug and the insert; and an annular tongue extending along the otherof the plug and the insert; wherein the valve body and the insert areengaged in a manner that permits relative movement between the insertand the valve body in one, or both, of first and second opposing axialdirections; and wherein the annular tongue interlocks with the annulargroove to prevent, or at least reduce, relative movement between theplug and the insert in both of the first and second opposing axialdirections.
 2. The plug valve of claim 1, wherein the plug is rotatablerelative to the insert to an open configuration, in which the fifthfluid passage of the plug is substantially aligned with the third andfourth fluid passages of the insert so that the first and second fluidpassages of the valve body are in fluid communication with each othervia the third, fourth, and fifth fluid passages.
 3. The plug valve ofclaim 2, wherein, when the plug is in the open configuration, theinterlocking of the annular tongue with the annular groove substantiallyaligns the fifth fluid passage of the plug with the third and fourthfluid passages of the insert.
 4. The plug valve of claim 1, wherein theplug is rotatable relative to the insert to a closed configuration, inwhich the third and fourth fluid passages of the insert aresubstantially aligned entirely with respective portions of an exteriorsurface of the plug so that fluid communication via the fifth fluidpassage of the plug between the first and second fluid passages of thevalve body is prevented, or at least reduced.
 5. The plug valve of claim1, wherein the insert engages a tapered interior surface of the valvebody, resulting in a normal contacting force between the insert and anexterior surface of the plug.
 6. The plug valve of claim 1, wherein theinsert comprises first and second sections that abut, or nearly abut,one another along one or more longitudinal planes; and wherein the firstand second sections define the respective third and fourth fluidpassages of the insert.
 7. The plug valve of claim 1, wherein theannular groove is formed in the plug, and the annular tongue extendsalong the insert.
 8. The plug valve of claim 1, further comprising abiasing member that biases the insert in one of the first and secondopposing axial directions to establish and/or maintain the substantialalignment of the third and fourth fluid passages of the insert with therespective first and second fluid passages of the valve body.
 9. Theplug valve of claim 8, further comprising a bonnet connected to thevalve body to secure the plug and the insert within the cavity, whereinthe biasing member is constrained against the bonnet.
 10. The plug valveof claim 1, further comprising a threaded cap threadably connected tothe valve body to secure the plug and the insert within the cavity, thethreaded cap being configured to urge the insert in one of the first andsecond opposing axial directions to establish the substantial alignmentof the third and fourth fluid passages of the insert with the respectivefirst and second fluid passages of the valve body.
 11. A method,comprising: engaging a valve body and an insert in a manner that permitsrelative movement between the insert and the valve body in one, or both,of first and second opposing axial directions; substantially aligningfirst and second fluid passages of the insert with third and fourthfluid passages of the valve body, respectively, the valve body defininga cavity from which the third and fourth fluid passages extend, and theinsert extending within the cavity; and preventing, or at leastreducing, relative movement between the insert and a plug in both of thefirst and second opposing axial directions, the plug defining a fifthfluid passage and extending within the cavity of the valve body so thatthe fifth fluid passage is substantially alignable with the first andsecond fluid passages of the insert; wherein preventing, or at leastreducing, relative movement between the insert and the plug in both ofthe first and second opposing axial directions comprises interlocking anannular tongue extending along one of the plug and the insert with anannular groove formed in the other of the plug and the insert.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising rotating the plug relative to theinsert to an open configuration, in which the fifth fluid passage of theplug is substantially aligned with the first and second fluid passagesof the insert so that the third and fourth fluid passages of the valvebody are in fluid communication with each other via the first, second,and fifth fluid passages.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein, when theplug is in the open configuration, the interlocking of the annulartongue with the annular groove substantially aligns the fifth fluidpassage of the plug with the first and second fluid passages of theinsert.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising rotating the plugrelative to the insert to a closed configuration, in which the first andsecond fluid passages of the insert are substantially aligned entirelywith respective portions of an exterior surface of the plug so thatfluid communication via the fifth fluid passage of the plug between thethird and fourth fluid passages of the valve body is prevented, or atleast reduced.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising engagingthe insert with a tapered interior surface of the valve body to producea normal contacting force between the insert and an exterior surface ofthe plug.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the insert comprises firstand second sections that abut, or nearly abut, one another along one ormore longitudinal planes; and wherein the first and second sectionsdefine the respective first and second fluid passages of the insert. 17.The method of claim 11, wherein the annular groove is formed in theplug, and the annular tongue extends along the insert.
 18. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising biasing, using a biasing member, the insertin one of the first and second opposing axial directions to establishand/or maintain the substantial alignment of the first and second fluidpassages of the insert with the respective third and fourth fluidpassages of the valve body.
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising connecting a bonnet to the valve body to secure the plug andthe insert within the cavity, wherein the biasing member is constrainedagainst the bonnet.
 20. The method of claim 11, further comprisingthreadably connecting a threaded cap to the valve body to secure theplug and the insert within the cavity, wherein the threaded cap isconfigured to urge the insert in one of the first and second opposingaxial directions to establish the substantial alignment of the first andsecond fluid passages of the insert with the respective third and fourthfluid passages of the valve body.